I’ll have a first impression, with a twist

THE request seems innocent enough: “We should go for a drink sometime,” he says. Happy he even asked you, you pretty yourself up. Hair is perfect, just-so-subtle makeup, and of course a great new outfit. Sure, you may have the typical first-date jitters, but that should all be secondary to the one looming danger of first-date drinks: What should you order to drink?

Like it or not, ladies, that initial drink order speaks more to your date than your perfect hair. Though most guys I’ve talked with agree that it is better to go for drinks first because it helps to loosen things up a bit, they also admit that they make assumptions about their date based on what she orders to drink.

The second you order your drink, he forms an opinion of you. And from that second on, he knows if it’s going to be a bad night, a good night or a really good night (see: tequila).

Before you start downing those shots -- or gingerly sipping your wine -- here are some drinks decoded, so the next time a guy asks you out for a drink you can check your jitters at the bar.

* Beer: It doesn’t matter what kind you drink, most guys approve and it shows you are laid-back and comfortable in your surroundings, not trying to impress anyone.

But they advise that if it is a first date and you’re going for drinks somewhere other than a sports bar, it’s probably not the best choice.

* Wine (red or white): A bit refined, or at least pretending to be.

* Margarita: A fun-loving girl with lots of personality.

* Gin and tonic: Guys are split on this one. Some say it signifies a sophisticated woman; others say it is someone looking to get drunk.

Either way, it signals that you may have hit your grandma’s liquor cabinet early on. Use sparingly.

* Martini: Somewhat classy -- or you just like the fun glass.

* Cosmopolitan: A bit trendy, and some guys view it as snobby. Also, it shows someone with expensive taste. So if the guy’s paying the bill, steer clear of this one, especially if the date’s going badly. He doesn’t want to have to take out a loan to buy you drinks.

* Long Island iced tea: He knows how much alcohol is in it -- and that you might end up spending the night feeling very, very ill.

* Rum and Coke: This is a basic, and fairly safe, drink choice. Someone who likes to have fun but can keep herself in check.

* Whiskey and Coke: Borderline alcoholic. Someone who is a bit sassy, will speak her mind and won’t care what anyone thinks.

* Vodka cranberry: Someone not familiar with many drinks, but who still likes to have fun and knows that vodka will do the trick without tasting too bad.

* Red Bull and vodka: An absolute party girl. Save this one for the club.

* Smirnoff Ice/Mike’s Hard Lemonade/wine cooler: He probably won’t appreciate this drink choice; unless your date is at the 7-Eleven, get a real drink.

* Mudslide/white Russian: Any drink with milk in it scares guys.

* Sea breeze/Midori sour/amaretto sour: A bit of a good girl. Someone who likes to drink but doesn’t like the taste of alcohol.

* Tequila: Guys dig a tequila drinker, but some claim “she is a keeper -- just for the night though.” Avoid at all costs if you don’t want to end up seeing his sheets. Otherwise, bottoms up.

Despite the differences in drinks, the message remains the same -- he sizes you up by your preference in alcohol.

But don’t change your typical drink order to give a different perception of yourself. If your martini and his Bud don’t mesh well, then so be it. When you move in together, at least your liquor cabinet will have lots of variety.

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Nicole Roberge can be reached at weekend@latimes.com.